A Charitable Rental Housing Program
Step Up
A Home, A Future, A Fresh Start
Supportive - Providing housing with community and family backing, Not just shelter
Transitional – Helping individuals move from hidden homelessness to long-term stability.
Empowerment – Encouraging independence while offering necessary resources.
Program – A structured initiative ensuring affordability and sustainability
for
Unhoused
People – Directly addressing those in need of stable, affordable housing.
Unhoused
People – Directly addressing those in need of stable, affordable housing.
At Home Suite Home Affordable Housing (HSH), we believe stable housing is the foundation for opportunity.
STEP UP (Supportive Transitional Empowerment Program for Unhoused People) provides affordable rental high-quality pocket housing to individuals experiencing low income and hidden homelessness, offering a stepping stone toward long-term stability.
STEP UP (Supportive Transitional Empowerment Program for Unhoused People) provides affordable rental high-quality pocket housing to individuals experiencing low income and hidden homelessness, offering a stepping stone toward long-term stability.
How STEP UP Works
STEP UP is a charitable rental housing program designed for individuals who are ready and willing to maintain a stable home. Tenants may be referred by trusted community agencies or apply directly to HSH. In all cases, each applicant undergoes a screening process to ensure eligibility under the HSH program and in compliance with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) requirements for charitable beneficiaries experiencing poverty and housing insecurity.
Our Homes Reflect Dignity and Responsibility
At HSH, we believe every person deserves a home that reflects their dignity and value. Our pocket homes are thoughtfully designed to offer safety, comfort, and quality, reinforcing the respect we have for our tenants. In return, we expect tenants to take responsibility for their home—maintaining it with care and respect, just as they would in any long-term housing situation.
Tenant Responsibility
HSH properties are provided as charitable housing, not social assistance. This means they are funded primarily by community donations and sponsorships, not government subsidies, and tenants contribute affordable rent to sustain the program.
Tenants are expected to:
Maintain the home in a clean, safe, and respectful condition.
Report necessary repairs promptly.
Adhere to community standards and respect the property.
Failure to meet these responsibilities may affect continued eligibility.
Eligibility Criteria
STEP UP provides charitable rental housing for individuals who:
Are experiencing hidden homelessness (e.g., couch-surfing, living in overcrowded spaces).
Have a verified low income and cannot afford market rent but can maintain stable housing.
Are screened and approved based on financial need and ability to uphold tenant responsibilities.
Priority is given to individuals and families who:
• Fall below the Low-Income Measure (LIM) or the City’s designated low-income threshold.
• Lack stable housing due to financial hardship, domestic instability, or personal circumstances.
How You Can Help
STEP UP is made possible through corporate sponsorships, donations, and community support.
-Sponsor a Home – Corporate partners can fund construction and receive public recognition. Visit our webpage “Sponsorships” to view sponsorship tiers and details.
-Donate – Every contribution helps build more homes. Visit our “ADOPT-A-HOME” page or donate through the website.
-Spread the Word – Share this site, tell your friends, like and subscribe through Instagram, Facebook and YouTube by searching ‘Home Suite Home Affordable Housing.’
-Sign up for our weekly newsletter on the contact page on our website.
Together, we can provide homes, futures, and fresh starts—empowering individuals through dignified housing and personal responsibility.
Building Hope, One Pocket Home at a Time.